Limnology . Branch of ecology that studies everything related to continental aquatic ecosystems, that is, those aquatic ecosystems located on continents, which involves lakes , lagoons , rivers , ponds, marshes and estuaries, leaving out non-continental ones, for example. the seas and oceans .
Summary
[ hide ]
- 1 Home
- 2 Objectives
- 3 Features
- 4 Sources
Start
The field of study of Limnology initially developed as a science that studied lakes, as did Oceanography with the seas. The nature of synthesis science of the Ecology of Continental Waters or Limnology, open to any knowledge related to non-marine waters, has given rise to a whole series of terms not always adjusted to the field of action of this ecological science. These terms generally come from the other sciences related to the partial study of aquatic environments. For example, one of the most used words is Hydrobiology or Biologyaquatic (the science in charge of studying the interactions of aquatic organisms and their environment). Limnology was not always considered a science, however Charles Darwin who published “The Origin of Species” (a book thanks to which Limnology has become what it is today), in the mid- 19th century , stated that, Limnology is indeed a science.
In principle, Limnology involved only the study of inland lakes and bodies of water, but then epicontinental bodies of water were incorporated. Inland water bodies are really important to humans, they are a source of a large number of important resources of the economy and they play a role, the purification of water. In addition to this we must add the coexistence of species of flora and fauna that live in these environments or that depend on it. Due to this Limnology has become a science of high importance.
objectives
Description and analysis of the structural and functional characteristics of continental aquatic systems in relation to physical, chemical and biological factors.
characteristics
In this research area, continental aquatic systems are studied, mainly lakes , reservoirs , rivers and wetlands . It is multidisciplinary, since all the sciences intervene in the understanding of these bodies of water: Physics , Chemistry , Geology and Biology . The projects focus, in turn, on aspects of water bodies such as their hydrology, heat and energy flows, sedimentology, geochemistry , pollution, biodiversity , primary production, biogeochemistry, trophic networks and dynamics of fishing populations.
Because the development of human populations is intimately linked to rivers, lakes and reservoirs, limnological research has immediate application, is essential in decision-making, and is essential for achieving sustainable integrated management of water bodies. Application areas include diagnosis and conservation of water quality, determination of the trophic status of systems, conservation of protected areas and their biodiversity, as well as aquaculture. The pollution and eutrophication of water bodies epicontinentales problems are becoming more frequent, so an important part of the research effort is directed to these issues.
The sub-disciplines covered in this area include:
- Lake sedimentology and geochemistry.
- Hydrogeology and aquifers.
- Lake limnology, salt lakes and crater lakes.
- Ecology of rivers and reservoirs.
- Aquatic biogeochemistry and study of eutrophication.
- Systematics and ecology of freshwater plankton.
- Freshwater fisheries.
- Water quality and aquatic pollution.
- Biotechnology and aquatic bioremediation.
- Comprehensive Management of Aquatic Systems.
